ISO 26900-2024 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 26900-2024 — Space data and information transfer systems — Orbit data messages. This international standard defines standardized message formats for exchanging spacecraft orbit information between space agencies, commercial and governmental spacecraft operators, and other stakeholders. It provides both Keyword = Value Notation (KVN) and XML representations and recommends ASCII-based file formats for interoperability.

Abstract

Specifies four standard orbit-data message formats — Orbit Parameter Message (OPM), Orbit Mean-Elements Message (OMM), Orbit Ephemeris Message (OEM), and Orbit Comprehensive Message (OCM) — and the requirements these formats are designed to meet. Use cases include pre-flight planning, tracking and navigation support, orbit comparisons, conjunction (collision-avoidance) studies, and collaborative maneuver planning. The document describes format rules, data items, units, and both KVN and XML encodings.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 9 February 2024 (Edition 2, 2024).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); developed in concert with CCSDS and ISO/TC 20/SC 14.
• ICS / categories: 49.140 (Space systems and operations).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2024).
• Number of pages: 225 pages.

(Publication details and lifecycle: ISO 26900:2012 was withdrawn and replaced by ISO 26900:2024.)

Scope

Defines standardized message formats and associated requirements for transferring spacecraft orbit information between organizations. The standard covers message content, units, coordinate frames, reference epochs, and representations required to support planning, tracking, navigation, orbit determination, conjunction assessment, and collaborative on‑orbit operations. It is intended for exchanges where consistent, machine‑readable orbit data is required; parties may agree alternatives where the standard does not meet specific needs.

Key topics and requirements

• Four canonical orbit-message types: OPM, OMM, OEM, and OCM (each with specific intended uses and content structure).
• Definitions of required and optional data fields, units, and reference frames for orbit representation.
• Specification of both Keyword = Value Notation (KVN) and XML encodings to support human- and machine-readable exchanges.
• Recommendations for ASCII file formats and conventions for single-spacecraft and parent/child deployment scenarios.
• Requirements and criteria designed to enable interoperability for tracking support, orbit propagation, orbit reconstruction, conjunction analysis, and collaborative maneuvers.

Typical use and users

Used by space agencies, satellite operators (commercial and governmental), ground-segment providers, mission planners, tracking stations, collision‑avoidance teams, and tool developers who exchange orbit data or integrate orbit messages into operational workflows and software. It is applied in pre‑flight planning, routine tracking operations, orbit determination, conjunction assessment, and collaborative mission operations.

Related standards

Closely related to CCSDS orbit-data messaging specifications (the ISO edition is aligned with CCSDS), and to other ISO and CCSDS space information transfer standards such as Conjunction Data Message standards and space debris/operational guidance standards. National bodies and publishers may provide annotated or tracked-change versions (e.g., BS ISO editions).

Keywords

Orbit data messages, OPM, OMM, OEM, OCM, orbit ephemeris, orbit parameters, KVN, XML, space data transfer, orbit propagation, conjunction assessment, ISO 26900:2024.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 26900:2024 is an international standard that specifies standardized message formats for exchanging spacecraft orbit information (OPM, OMM, OEM, OCM) between agencies and operators to support planning, tracking, navigation, and conjunction analyses.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the structure and content of orbit-data messages, required and optional data fields, units and reference frames, and KVN and XML encodings, plus recommendations for file format and use cases such as orbit propagation and collision-avoidance studies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Space agencies, satellite operators (commercial and governmental), ground-segment and tracking service providers, mission designers, collision‑avoidance analysts, and software/tool developers that process or exchange orbit data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 26900:2024 (Edition 2) is the active edition published in February 2024, replacing the earlier ISO 26900:2012 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the family of ISO/CCSDS space data and information transfer standards and is associated with other space-system and space-operations standards (ISO/TC 20/SC 14 and CCSDS publications). It complements related standards for conjunction messages and debris mitigation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: OPM, OMM, OEM, OCM, orbit ephemeris, orbit parameters, KVN, XML, ASCII file format, orbit propagation, conjunction assessment, space data transfer.